Afzaal Hussain/Courtesy photo
BY JOHN RAMON VIGIL
Mayor
City of Espanola
I am deeply saddened to report that Monday night City of Española Planning and Land Use Director Muhammad Afzaal Hussain was shot and killed in Albuquerque. APD is investigating the shooting, but it appears Muhammad was randomly targeted in a senseless act of violence. His family has been notified of this tragic loss.
Muhammad joined Española’s staff last year. With both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico, he was well-qualified to lead the administration’s new visions for moving Española forward. He had studied law and human resource management at the University of Punjab in his native Pakistan. Muhammad’s interest was in improving conditions and inclusivity for disadvantaged minorities.
Muhammad was soft spoken and kind, and quick to laugh. He was well respected and well liked by his coworkers and members of the community. Tuesday would have marked his first-year anniversary leading the City’s planning team. Our City staff has lost a member of our family, and we all have lost a brilliant public servant who wanted to serve and improve his community.
We will provide updates as we learn more. For more information contact City Manager Jordan Yutzy at (505) 747-6013.
Editor’s note: Lou Baker has established a GoFundMe account for Mr. Hussain’s family on behalf of the City of Espanola. See